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Comment Software optimization can be staged (Score 3, Insightful) 174

It is possible to squeeze out a lot of efficiency without resorting to this level of optimization. Just rethinking how much CPU your code uses can save a lot. Rework your code to efficient. It will get faster as a result. Do this at every level from compiler development on up.

Learning to code tightly is a difficult task. Maybe bring back some coding for machines like the Commodore 64. I remember reworking code just to save 4 bytes. I need just that much more space for the program to run. We don't need to get that detailed but even jut cutting the cruft out will really bring results.

Comment Change Materials (Score 3, Interesting) 77

Is satellite disposal a problem? It is. But there is a better way to solve the issue than eliminate capabilities or mandating further studies. Change materials. Today, most satellites use aluminum, steel, tungsten, and other exotic metals. Stop building with them. Instead use carbon fiber structures, other composites, copper, etc. It requires a shift in thinking away from just the mission an into a total lifecycle process.

It helps to think smaller too. Satellites don't need to be as massive as they are today. Smaller is better. Focus more on CubeSats as opposed to school bus sized spacecraft.

Comment Re:The biggest threat to US critical infrastructur (Score 2) 98

Having worked in water infrastructure for several years, I wholeheartedly agree. Old computers, old software, and weak security are rampant. Combine that with underfunded municipalities and you get a recipe for easy disruption - and not in a good way.

Comment Mindset Shift Needed (Score 1) 184

Sounds like this CEO is still used to the old school way of thinking. My wife managed global teams for a major corporation for over 10 years. All from home. I think she might have met with some of her teammates every year or so, but not everyone could attend at that was fine. She continually increased the efficiency of these teams - all without stepping foot at any company facility.

Remote management is completely possible. It takes time to build the tools and keep to the work ethic needed, but with upper management's blessing and understanding, it can be quite profitable for the company as well.

Maybe Arvind Krishna should get out of the office and learn how it is really done instead of relying on reports.

Submission + - Firefly Launches Alpha Rocket to Orbit (youtube.com)

techmage writes: Early this morning, Firefly Aerospace succeeded in launching their Alpha rocket to Low Earth Orbit. This marks one of a handlful of companies who have reached space with that few attempts (Virgin Orbit and RocketLab are just some of the others).

Shameless plug — I had the pleasure of building the Serenity satellite, a 3U CubeSat that flew on the mission.

Check out the video of the launch and deployment. It is quite something to watch.

Comment Sucha Advanced Hardare! (Score 1) 80

Having worked in water quality for a few years, I am surprised they had a system as sophisticated as Windows 7. A lot of the smaller wastewater plants were still running Windows XP and even DOS to connect to their SCADA and PLC systems. Security is considered a big hassle as it takes a lot of training. Upgrades costs money that most municipalities simply do not have. When there is no budget, things don't get done, or done with a patchwork of parts. It is sad to see. I am not advocating throwing money at the problem, but municipalities need to come to terms with the shortchanging they have done at a lot of these facilities.

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